Home Visits
[
dropcap]E[/dropcap]ach fall, during our professional weeks, we go on ‘home visits’ for all of our newly enrolled toddler students. The visit lasts for approximately 20 minutes. During this time, we deliver our classroom info packet to the parents, and we are available to answer any questions that they may have.
We can learn a lot about the family dynamic during our visit, which is very valuable to us. Our main focus, however, is the children. For many toddlers, this is the first time that they will be in school and away from their homes and parents.
We want the children to meet us in their space and on their terms, where they feel comfortable and safe. Typically, the toddlers greet us at the door and welcome us into their homes. They proceed to show us where they sleep, where they play, their favorite books, and their favorite toys.
Most of the visit we spend sitting on the floor engaged with the children. The visit ends, and we are escorted to the door with the promise of seeing the children again very soon. The goal is that when school starts, they will join us feeling welcomed, comfortable, and safe in their new environment: the classroom.
Montessori Leadership / 2013/ pg 5
